Anthony DiComo of MLB.com asked the following three questions regarding the 2011 Mets:
1. Who's the second baseman?
2. Who's the center fielder?
3. Can Beltran and Jose Reyes still be stars?
The competition for second base will be between Daniel Murphy, Luis Castillo, Justin Turner, and Brad Emaus, whom the Mets selected in the Rule 5 Draft. This is the one position where, with the exception of Castillo, competition will be the greatest. As far as I'm concerned, Castillo stands no chance of making the opening day roster. He'll be given the opportunity, but it's not going to happen.
Justin Turner is more of a utility guy. As well as he hits, he lacks the defense and range needed to play second every day. He's valuable to the Mets, just not at second base. Murphy has potential at second, as does Emaus. That's why I say the Mets may choose to have a platoon at second early in the season between Murphy and Emaus.
I think Carlos Beltran will be the center fielder for the Mets on opening day, although, it should really go to Angel Pagan. Pagan is better defensively, and should be in the Mets long term plans. I don't see Beltran finishing the season as a Met.
As for question number 3, Reyes could be a star again assuming he can stay healthy for an extended period of time...like an entire season. Beltran will be 34 this year, and his star has faded. He is not the defensive player he used to be, and his time in NY is running out.
These are just my answers to the questions. I feel, from years of watching professional sports, that the better player doesn't always get the job they deserve.
For some reason, however, I have a feeling that the Mets current regime will actually play the better player. I know...what a novel idea.
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